Battery Power at the Intersection of Construction and Noise Ordinances

Municipal noise ordinances can vary based on a number of factors: time of day, zoning, attitudes in a given community, etc. One thing is certain, however—noise must be a consideration before a project begins, even if it’s only relevant for creating manageable timelines.

Consider, for instance, a construction project in a residential neighborhood. Now imagine that the project is to be completed on an expedient timeline and will require multiple noisy generators to be operated 24/7. The problem is that if this results in the violation of a local noise ordinance, the timeline will be delayed and fines may be incurred. This cascade of negatives was, at one time, generally unavoidable.

The Answer Is Battery Power

Working within the confines of a noise ordinance can be tricky when utilizing traditional equipment (like diesel generators) for power. Particularly if multiple generators are in use, the level of noise can exceed allowable levels quickly.

Powering equipment no longer needs to rely on diesel generators exclusively. POWR2 has the solution with the POWRBANK renewable power system. 

Here’s how it works: 

1. POWRBANK uses stored energy to silently power your equipment for approx. 20 hours.
2. When POWRBANK’s batteries are at 10%, it turns on the generator to recharge itself; typically takes approx. 4 hours. 
3. Once POWRBANK is recharged it switches off the generator and the cycle starts over. 

In other words, POWRBANK makes it unnecessary to run generators 24/7, mitigating much of the noise generated by a construction site. And battery storage does more than just reduce the need for the persistent use of generators throughout the day and night.

If a generator is running, it’s producing noise. Add to that the noise generated by a piece of equipment drawing power, and you have, essentially, double the noise (yes, this is reductive, but the example stands). If that piece of equipment is drawing power from a POWRBANK unit, however, one source of noise has been eliminated. POWRBANK is, therefore, directly impacting the ability of a worksite to continue operating as normal.

Other Benefits

Complying with noise ordinances is the most immediate, tangible benefit contractors can experience. That said, there are other benefits to noise reduction as well.

Efficient Timelines

When noise ordinance compliance is no longer a concern, the possibilities for efficient project management are expanded. Imagine another simplified scenario—two pieces of equipment need power, requiring two generators. The problem is that four noise-generating machines will exceed the allowed noise levels. This naturally slows down the construction process. 

Alternatively, the site can use one generator to power a piece of equipment while POWRBANK powers another. In this situation, only three noise-generating units are in use, allowing both projects to be completed simultaneously. 

The implications for project planning around noise ordinances are obvious here—less noise equals faster projects, which means satisfied customers and more future business.

Reduced Noise Burden on Workers

Aside from the direct financial benefit, reducing noise on a construction worksite also impacts the health and well-being of workers. Less damage to ears has obvious health benefits while easier communication improves the experience on the worksite. Of course, both of these factors do benefit the entire organization financially as well.

Noise restraints on construction worksites are a persistent problem that, until now, have been a drag on efficiency. POWR2 can help.